A Night in the Woods

It is not an everyday experience to be at a such scenic place pictured here. Most of the time, day in and day out,we would be busily commuting back and forth the office, either by getting caught in traffic jams or caught in a packed LRT coach, everywhere seeing people rushing to their respective destinations, all within the all too familiar everyday and daily view.

But yesterday was different. I was at this place. Enjoying the beautiful and picturesque view of nature, the calmness, the soothing sounds of the river flow, the chirping sounds of the birds and not forgetting the other cranky "noises" produced by the various insects.
I was glad to take up the offer to drop by and spend a night at the Mind Development Camp organised for the Hostelites of Victoria Institution, in particularly for the First and Second Formers.

I checked in at the camp at 8.30 last night together with my son who was not able to participate in the programme fully due to the fact that he was still on Medical Leave.

Undoubtedly, it was a packed programme all right as the boys were presented with almost round the clock programmes from matters pertaining to discipline, grooming, purpose in life, swot analysis, case studies and the all encompassing appreciation of religious values.
But it was definitely not a purely all serious affair solely as the boys were given the space to enjoy themselves while absorbing all the stuff they're supposed to absorb.

They had barbecue .....
... "water polo" and other recreational activities throughout their 3 days 2 nights stay.

But last night, it was a long and spiritual night indeed. The night was filled with a "Qiyamullail" programme, a programme that started at the wee hour of 4.30 a.m. Lectures on the religious perspectives were held, followed by the enchanting of "zikir" , performing of "solat hajat", "solat taubat", "solat witir" before ending it with "solat subuh".

All these took place at a place called The Woods Resort, a place near Ulu Yam, Selangor. It is actually a stone-throw away from the ever busy and bustling city of Kuala Lumpur and it is located along the Batu Caves - Ulu Yam route that passes through another scenic location, the Batu Dam.

The place is currently closed to public but once reopened, there are about 20 chalets available for rental at a most attractive rate of RM100 a night. Each chalet can accommodate 5 occupants. Those not interested to spend the nights in the chalet can also just pay RM2 per head to gain access to the premise and have a picnic within the compound of the resort.

We (my son & me) left the place this morning after breakfast, and I am really looking forward to revisit this place with the whole family once it reopens to the public. And I think you should too. See you there!

Jasni AJ